Among the most-visited structures at the New York State Fair is the Horticulture Building, home to vendors and displays of many of the best flavors of New York. The one product that for many tastes best captures the deliciousness of the Empire State’s sharply contrasting seasons, the sweet velvet of maple syrup, does a booming business annually from its prime location among its Hort neighbors. Our home state is the second largest maple-producer in the US, following a tradition that dates back to the first maple gatherers, Native Americans.

The large corner stand always seems to have a steady stream of customers eager to take home a bottle of bronze liquid, a favorite maple candy or a specialty items from maple sugar, to granola, popcorn, cotton candy and coated peanuts or cashews. Don’t forget the spreads, creams, popcorn, flavored coffee and frosted doughnuts.

Maple Day comes up Monday this year, but you can you can celebrate every day of the Fair by topping off your visit with a smooth, soft-serve maple ice cream, sold in a corner near the back door. You choose a cone or bowl, or maybe a milkshake.

New York Maple Producers have the biggest stand in the building–1200 square feet occupying one whole side of the wing–as well as one of the oldest stands on the grounds. Though nearly every New Yorker has drizzled their pancakes or waffles with gooey maple syrup, more than two dozen consignors produce an inspired variety of products to satisfy rabid maple lovers.

Containers of syrup ranging from 3.4 oz. bottles to gallon jugs, including decorative containers that make better gifts than the tacky trinkets sold around the grounds. In addition to the economic boost from sales to Fair customers, maple producers compete for bragging rights by entering their products for judging. A glass trophy case displays winners of ribbons in State Fair competition for syrup, candy, creams, condiments and treats.

Awards are issued strictly for Empire State products submitted to the Fair. Any New York state maple producer can bring products in to be judged. Champions are chosen in different categories, including light syrup, medium syrup, dark syrup, sugar candy, granulated sugar and creams among other various categories. Ribbons are awarded early in the Fair with winning products put on display. Overall scores determine a grand champion.

While product sales are important, consumer exposure and promotion of New York maple are as important as the bottom line. Year-after-year, State Fair customers come back for more.

Talon-ted Performers

After getting your maple fix, step outside the Horticulture Building and circumnavigate the glistening reflecting pool to visit the amazing birds of prey presented by Hawk Creek Wildlife Center.

These feathered superstars have become a favorite annual feature of the Fair, perhaps the only time you will get so close to these incredible flying predators. Their survival stories are truly inspirational, their physical characteristics striking. Rescued and rehabilitated eagles, falcons, owls, vultures and, of course, hawks are on display in the tent.

Knowledgeable staff present them daily at 11 a.m., 2:15 and 4:30 p.m., balancing fascinating talks with high-flying performances.

Visitors who make a modest contribution to this incredible wildlife rescue organization can even get to hold one of the birds for a souvenir photo.

Don’t miss it.

Among the variety of entertainment on the menu at the New York State Fair is the traditional parade, this year marching down Broadway on five of the Fair’s 13 days. While they aren’t exactly theme events, each of them occurs on a special day with honorees prominently represented among the marchers.

All parades with the exception of Labor Day kick off at 6 p.m.

The first parade rolls along on Friday, which is pride day. Some of the participants of festivities held earlier that day can be expected to be part of the procession.

Don’t panic if you hear a siren on Aug. 26, law enforcement day. Police officers and vehicles will catch the spotlight for the parade that day.

Fire and Rescue heroes get their recognition on Aug. 27. The sun will glisten off those brass buttons as they march in step.

Armed forces day, Aug. 29 will have military vehicles and marchers carrying flags throughout the parade route.

Union members will be chanting for the final parade, the traditional Labor Day event, on Sep. 2. The Labor Day march begins at the special time of 10:30 a.m.

The parade route is easy to locate as Broadway runs in the shadow of the Broadway SkyLiner. If you time it right, it may be fun to watch the procession as you soar over it on the Liner.

Looking Back

After the parade has passed, you can go just off Broadway to enjoy displays of vintage items from hardware and tools to fabric, cookware and furniture in the Agricultural Museum. While there, you can take in talks and demonstrations by exhibitors who have solid expertise on the artifacts on display and are there to answer questions and chat with visitors. It doesn’t change much from year-to-year, but you always seem to notice something different.

Right next door is the the Carriage Museum, home to fascinating antique vehicles including wagons, buggies, carriages and sleighs. For the past couple of Fairs we’ve missed Cowboy Doug’s authentic western chuck wagon exhibit.

The clanging of hammer on anvil shaping red-hot iron highlights a live blacksmithing demonstrations in the back of the building.

There’s often live entertainment on the front lawn, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.

When the gates swing open Wednesday for opening day of the 2024 New York State Fair, that exhilarating first tour of the grounds will find some vendors scrambling to be ready and patrons energized to enjoy old favorites while seeking out new features. This year is the first under the stewardship of new Director Julie LaFave.

One long-established food stand will be serving from a brand new building as the old Basilio Sausage stand (pictured) has been replaced in its traditional location on Restaurant Row. Meanwhile, Toss & Fire Pizza moves into its new location in front of the Dairy Building. It’s good to see the Fair show faith in popular vendors.

Once again this year, you’ll be able to beat the traffic and the heat by passing through the gates as early as 9 a.m. each morning. Most buildings will be open from 10 a.m. to  9 p.m. daily, except Labor Day, when they close at 8 p.m.

Unfortunately, you’ll need credit cards or prepaid credits at entrances. Same goes in parking lots, as EZ Pass scanners will be conspicuously missing, so expect slower processing as cars enter. Vendors almost universally welcome cash.

Entering early is a good way to start your day, to watch the set-up and feast on breakfast Fair-style until major buildings open. Traditionally, the first day of the Fair is also Governor’s Day, so she may attend.

The perennially astonishing sand sculpture will be under construction in the Center of Progress, so if you enjoy watching the artists work, this is a good day to visit.

Meanwhile, the heralded return of Dinosaur Expedition will bring animated, lifelike dinosaurs back to terrorize Expo Center visitors every day starting at 10 a.m. They were a huge hit last year, so the return engagement is an obvious decision. Story times and fossil digs will add to the fun.

The limited appearance of those amazing llamas will be in the goat and swine barn early in the Fair. Though the beautiful wool-bearers are native to the Andes Mountains of South America, New York farmers have found that they’re amazingly adaptable to local pastures. The llamas’ visit features competitions and special events before they’re  herded out Saturday afternoon, so stop in early to see these stunning creatures up close. Don’t miss the wild and hilarious costume contest, scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m.

4-H will welcome you for an intimate visit with a variety of horses in the compact stable near the Iroquois Village. Dog lovers can also take in the 4-H dog obedience competition in the Coliseum, opening day only.

There aren’t many new acts on the agenda this year, but most of the traditional favorite exhibits and events are back. Musicians, stunt performers, talented animals and wacky comedy provide a wide variety of free-of-charge shows sprinkled liberally throughout the day.

Sea Lion Splash is back in the Family Fun Zone. The chubby, whiskered mammals have drawn huge crowds the past two years. The show itself is pretty dull and it’s troubling to see wild animals compromised for entertainment. But the stars are adored by Fair audiences. They’ll take the stage three times every day.

2024 is the sophomore year of the Asian Village, which will run from Opening Day through the first weekend from 9 am to 10 pm., recognizing the contributions, history, and experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. The Latino Village will take over the same spot–at the far western end of the grounds, near the Youth Building–for the last five days.

Several food stands along Broadway and Restaurant Row present bands and solo acts that are often terrific, adding an element of night club atmosphere to your Fair dinner.

Check the schedule and stay alert for appearances by such terrific wandering entertainers as rock star Bandaloni, the Strolling Piano and Hilby who have become Fair regulars, something to which returning Groovy Guy may aspire.

New this year is an acrobatic act called the Nerveless Nocks Sway Pole Show. It takes flight daily at Noon, 3 and 5 p.m. in the Central Park area.

Family fishing day is back, hosted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The free fishing event runs from Noon to 4 p.m. Friday at the pond in the Experience Area, near Suburban Park. No fishing license is required, and loaner rods are available. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Opening day will close with fireworks exploding over the grounds at about 9 p.m.